World Cup, a student hangout and cram-for-exam hot spot, is closing and will be replaced by Southside’s Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream, which will fill the space with its second location.
Jay Rupkey and his wife, Jamie Sherry, have owned World Cup for 15 years. The local coffeehouse has been a longtime neighborhood hangout at both of its locations – Morris Street, where it is now, and its original location on Robinson Street.
“I wasn’t looking to sell,” Rupkey said. “I just couldn’t pass it up.”
Rupkey said he mentioned in passing to Will Harry, owner of Crossroads, that Harry should buy him out. Harry had been hoping to expand his current business by opening a second location, and he then made an offer to Rupkey.
Harry said he does not want to make many changes, except he plans on expanding the shop’s menu and extending its hours. Although he wants to maintain the current staff, the shop’s new name will be Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream.
“I was a big fan of World Cup when it was back on Robinson,” Harry said. “I’ve always liked their operation. We are just thrilled to be a part of it.”
Justine Capolarello, a student and shop regular, said she is sad to see the coffee shop close.
“I’ll miss World Cup, but the fact that they are going to expand on what World Cup already is, is exciting,” Capolarello said.
Rupkey said in his 15 years of business, he has seen people meet, get married and have children.
“It’s a double-edged sword. I’m really going to miss it,” Rupkey said.
The current location of Crossroads Coffee, 3600 Forest Hill Ave., is in an old garage and caters to a neighborhood clientele. The expansion to World Cup’s current location in a former body shop, Harry said, is perfect for what Crossroads stands for and will allow the coffee shop to retain its neighborhood feel.
“I think it will be a good transition because they (both shops) are very similar and customer-oriented, but World Cup will be sadly missed,” said Amber Berry, student and customer of both coffeehouses.
World Cup is scheduled to close April 30. Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream plans to be fully open and functional by the first week of May.